Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz “misspoke” in a 2018 video, according to a statement from the Harris campaign on Friday, which surfaced earlier this week and featured the vice presidential candidate discussing his experience with weapons “in war.”
This clarification follows criticism from Republicans, led by veteran and vice presidential candidate JD Vance, who questioned Walz’s military service. A Harris campaign spokesperson clarified that Gov. Walz respects all Americans who serve and appreciates Senator Vance’s service to the nation.
The spokesperson emphasized that Walz misspoke while arguing against the presence of military-grade weapons on American streets and in schools, stressing that such weapons should be restricted to trained military personnel—a stance contrary to that of Donald Trump and JD Vance, who, according to the spokesperson, prioritize the gun lobby over public safety.
A representative from the Harris campaign noted that Walz made an error while discussing military-grade weapons on American streets and in schoolsThe circulated video shows Walz discussing gun control and mentioning his military background, stating, “We can make sure that those weapons of war, that I carried in war, is the only place where those weapons are at.” Walz served in the military for 24 years, including time overseas supporting forward units, though he was not in a combat zone.
JD Vance, a Marine Corps veteran, accused Walz of “stolen valor,” criticizing him for allegedly misrepresenting his military service. In response to the clarification, a Trump campaign spokesperson questioned why Walz did not address the issue himself, instead of relying on spokespeople. Meanwhile, former colleagues of Walz defended his service, refuting claims made against him.